"Calumet Fisheries is literally a shack located on the 95th Street bridge over the Calumet River, wedged between Lake Michigan and the Chicago Skyway. Yes, Anthony Bourdain filmed No Reservations here in 2009, and yes, this is the bridge from the original Blues Brothers movie. But don’t think for one second Calumet has relied on either to stay in business since 1948. It’s the fish that keeps people coming back year in and year out. photo credit: Kim Kovacik The smoked fish is delightful and will make you realize that our ancestors had the right idea. Calumet uses oak for all the smoking (after brining the seafood) and everything tastes fantastic. But our favorite is the lightly smoked shrimp and the delicately seasoned garlic and pepper salmon. Fried shrimp is available and tasty, but it’s not what this place does best so don't come here without getting some of the smoked stuff. It’s a cash-only strictly take-out operation with only room for a few people to be inside at once. There are two makeshift tables outside, but your general plan should be to eat while sitting or standing half in/half out of your car. This makes visiting Calumet is one of our favorite summer activities in the city, but we happily come here year-round. Food Rundown photo credit: Kim Kovacik Smoked Fish You can’t go wrong with any of the smoked fish. Options include: catfish, eel, heads and collars, rainbow trout, sable, salmon (plain or pepper and garlic), shrimp, sturgeon, trout (plain or pepper & garlic), white fish, and herring. Everything is smoked in their little smokehouse out back, and we cannot stress enough how wonderful the smoked salmon and shrimp are. photo credit: Kim Kovacik Fried Shrimp There is fried seafood on the menu, and our favorite is the fried shrimp. The breading is light, and doesn't slide off. Order as a dinner, which comes with fries, coleslaw, and a drink." - Sam Faye
